The Other Woman begins with Carly discovering that her boyfriend, Mark, is already married. She soon meets his wife, Kate, and the two later discover that there is another woman, Amber. Instead of remaining enemies, the three women become unexpected friends and decide to make Mark pay for deceiving all of them.
The unfaithful man causes the whole situation, but the film is really about how the three women respond to him. Carly is angry but practical, Kate is emotionally overwhelmed, and Amber enters the situation from yet another position. Their personalities are different, and much of the comedy comes from watching them slowly move from suspicion and confusion to cooperation.
Infidelity is certainly not a new subject. It has probably caused arguments, heartbreak, and complicated relationships for as long as people have been getting married. The film chooses revenge rather than forgiveness, pushing the women’s anger into a series of increasingly ridiculous plans.
Still, forgiveness is not necessarily a foolish response. People are imperfect, and almost anyone can make a serious mistake. Mark, of course, makes forgiveness rather difficult by lying repeatedly and maintaining several relationships at once. The film is not especially interested in understanding him, however. Its attention remains with the three women and the friendship that develops between them.
The Other Woman is a light revenge comedy rather than a serious discussion of marriage or adultery. Its most enjoyable idea is that the women refuse to turn against one another and place the blame where it belongs. And for anyone hoping to avoid this kind of trouble altogether, choosing a kind and trustworthy partner may be more useful than planning revenge afterward.